Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Nevada DUI Laws to learn more.

Immigrating to the U.S. is a gauntlet of forms, rules and interviews. But our attorneys are committed to making the process as quick and easy for you as possible. Visit our page on Nevada immigration laws to learn more.

Possession or sale of PCP in Nevada

Possession or sale of phencyclidine – more commonly known as PCP -- is a felony in Las Vegas and other parts of Nevada. Although technically classified as a hallucinogen, PCP is structurally similar to the anesthetic ketamine.

Because it is seldom used medically in the United States and has a high potential for addiction, PCP is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Other common Schedule II substances include cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription opiates such as Oxycontin and Vicodin.

1. What is PCP?

PCP (phencyclidine) is a hallucinogen originally developed as an intravenous dissociative anesthetic. In the United States, PCP goes by a number of street names, including Angel Dust, PeaCe Pill, Hog, Lovely, Wack, Ozone, Dust, Embalming Fluid, or Rocket Fuel. When combined with marijuana it is sometimes known as Super Grass or Killer Joints.

Because of serious side effects, however -- including hallucinations, delirium, and mania – use of PCP in humans was discontinued in the 1960s. As a result, although it is structurally similar to ketamine, PCP possession and sale are punished more severely than the possession or sale of ketamine in Nevada.

In its pure form, PCP is a white crystalline powder that is bitter tasting and dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Illegal PCP, however, usually contains contaminants which make it darker and give it a powdery or gummy consistency.

Unlawful PCP can be found in the form of tablets, capsules, or colored powders. The most frequent methods of consuming PCP are injection, smoking or snorting. There is also a liquid form of PCP dissolved in ether, which is often sprayed on marijuana or leafy herbs and smoked.

Because of its dangerous effects – which can include paranoia, hostility, hallucinations and psychosis -- many experts consider PCP an exceptionally dangerous drug.

2. PCP Possession – NRS 453.336

Although it is a felony to possess PCP in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada, a first or second offense can often be dismissed with no prison or criminal record. As a condition of dismissing your case, however, the court may order you to take drug education classes or do Nevada drug court first.

Alternatively, the court can sentence you to probation, with either no incarceration or up to a year in county jail.

However, if it is your third or subsequent PCP offense or if you have two or more prior felony drug convictions in any state, the penalty for possessing PCP in Nevada can include:

3. PCP Possession for Sale -- NRS 453.337

Possessing PCP with the intent to sell it is a felony in Nevada. The good news is that intent can be difficult to prove. A skilled Nevada drug lawyer can often negotiate PCP possession for sale charges down to simple possession charges, thus sparing you imprisonment.

Otherwise, if it is your first felony drug offense, conviction on Nevada PCP possession for sale charges can be punished by:

1-4 years in prison, and/or

A fine of not more than $5,000.

Subsequent Nevada felony drug offenses can be penalized more severely. And if you two or more prior serious drug felony convictions, you must be sentenced to prison. This makes retaining an attorney with experience negotiating Nevada felony drug plea deals and defending drug charges in front of a jury especially important.

4. PCP Sale, Manufacturing or Gift -- NRS 453.321

NRS 453.321 makes it a felony to sell, manufacture, transport or give away less than 28 grams of PCP in Nevada. (Offenses involving 28 grams or more of PCP are prosecuted as trafficking, discussed below).A first offense for selling, manufacturing or giving away PCP carries potential penalties of:

1-6 years in state prison, and/or

A fine of up to $20,000.

If you have a prior conviction under this code section or for a serious drug felony under the laws of the United States or any U.S. state or territory, however, the consequences of a PCP violation increase.

At its most serious, a conviction under NRS 453.321 can be punished by:

Call us for help...

Possessing even a small quantity of PCP can land you in prison and get you branded a felony drug offender. Before facing the loss of your freedom and the serious employment-related consequences of a felony conviction, why not speak to one of our caring Nevada and Las Vegas drug defense lawyers?

We offer free consultations by telephone or in-person.

To reach one our experienced Nevada drug defense lawyers, call us at 702-DEFENSE (702-333-3673) or fill out the form. Together we can figure out the best way to fight to get your Nevada drug charges reduced or dismissed.

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